How high should you hang art?
Hang art so the center of the piece is 57–60 in (145–152 cm) from the floor — roughly eye level for most adults. Galleries often use 57 in. Over furniture, the gap to the furniture matters more: keep about 8–10 in.
Where to put the nail
The nail is not at the center of the art. Measure from the top of the art down to the hanger (the wire pulled tight, or the sawtooth or D-ring), then:
nail height = center height + half the art’s height − hanger drop
Over a sofa, bed or console
When art hangs over furniture, the 57–60 in center can put it too far above the furniture. Instead, keep 8–10 in between the furniture and the bottom of the art (8–12 in over a headboard) — see art over a sofa and art over a bed.
Groups and gallery walls
Treat a group as one large piece: the center of the whole arrangement goes at 57–60 in. Details in the gallery wall guide.
Stairs
Follow the slope of the stairs: measure 57–60 in up from the front edge of the step under each piece, and keep the gaps between pieces equal along the diagonal.
Tall ceilings
Keep art at eye level even under a 10–12 ft ceiling; fill the extra height with a larger or taller piece instead of hanging higher.
Questions
What is the standard height to hang art?
The center of the artwork 57–60 in (145–152 cm) from the floor.
How far above a sofa should art hang?
About 8–10 in between the sofa back and the bottom of the art.
How do I calculate where to put the nail?
Nail height = center height + half the art’s height − the distance from the top of the art to the tightened wire or hook.